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Nikola Jovic — key for the Heat.

Originally posted on thePeachBasket | By Eric Labrador | Last updated 2/27/24

Nikola Jovic is the key player to watch for the Heat in the second half. Jovic IS the athletic big man that Bam Adebayo needs next to him. Jovic has the skill set and ability to do everything required in the Miami Heat offense. He is a “supercharged version of Kelly Olynyk.” Coach Spolestra has been giving Jovic “bite-sized” pieces of playing time over the season. Jovic even said it, “Either I start or I don’t play, it’s wild.” Check out this article here from the Sun-Sentinel on Jovic’s season.

Jovic/Heat point #3: Thomas Bryant has failed.

Thomas Bryant was brought in as a free agent center to be paired with Bam Adebayo. Unfortunately, he has not developed a mid-range shot and has not sniffed the court. Now, he is suspended for three games after the fight in New Orleans. This has put him further behind in development, so Jovic has the opportunity to start more. Jovic has a jumper that can open up opposing defenses from “packing the paint” against Jimmy Butler. He will sneak up on teams in the second half. Read my article here on the Heat’s second half outlook.

Jovic/Heat point #2: Jimmy Butler feels comfortable with him

It is Jovic and Jaquez Jr. that have Jimmy Butler’s trust. Check this article here from Shandel Richardson on how Butler posted a Heat watch party with him a Jovic on IG. Not only do these guys have Jimmy Butler’s trust but they also work hard during games and practice. Look at the post below via Bleacher Report’s IG:

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The Heat really have done well in the draft getting Jovic (and Jaquez). Check this article here from Sun-sentinel.com on how the league notices the value of Jaquez and Jovic. Jimmy Butler is a smart player hanging out with these two, making sure these two are major contributors at season’s end.

Jovic/Heat point #1: His skill set is sorely needed

Check out this article here on SI.com’s Inside the Heat fan page. Jovic had the best game of his career against the Bucks with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He was 5 of 8 from three point range. The more that Jovic contributes, the less the Heat will play guys out of position, i.e. Haywood Highsmith at Power forward. Look at this scouting report done here on Jovic via Peachtree Hoops in 2022.

Jovic commits fouls too much on defense but has a 7′ wingspan that allows him to close out on shooters. He’s good in transition on offense but tries too hard to go 1-on-1 for the basket. I think Jovic will be for the Heat offense similar to Kelly Olynyk in skill set and role. Check out this article here from SI.com on how Olynyk will help the Raptors offense–floor spacing and creating open lanes for drives. Jovic will do the same for the Heat.

This article first appeared on thePeachBasket and was syndicated with permission.

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